How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew and mold growth, and other waste. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it may be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency because they are robust and almost impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and can be squeezed into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can decrease the energy efficiency of homes. Leaks typically occur at the point where duct segments join and are most often at joints. The ducts can become loose and separate over time due to age, gravity and other factors. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic can aid in preventing air loss, but it’s best to engage an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and insulate the ducts.

Check for signs of duct leaks in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Look for areas of ducts which are kinked, crushed or twisted. This is a sign of an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you can hear these sounds you could have duct leaks in that area.

Another common sign of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots in the home. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this issue may explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at an even temperature.

Even if the activities of the household are not affected, ductwork gaps can distribute dust throughout a building. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members due to the circulating dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens in living areas.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living area. Leaking ductwork for instance could expose your family members to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This issue is particularly dangerous when elderly or children live in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes, and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should be. This is a major issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are several ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

First, reduce the amount of water used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. Additionally, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the house more dry.

It’s also important to periodically examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts when they notice any issues.

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. This is typically because of improperly installed joints or seals, which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts come in a variety of materials and each one has its own characteristics that can affect the way they perform. The cheapest air ducts made of polyester, have the lowest life expectancy and are more vulnerable to being damaged by pests and elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and can resist insects.

Another issue with ducts is they may be blocked by furniture, toys and other objects, which restricts airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven heating and cooling in older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a leakage or humidity problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and make recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is easily accessible, as this will affect how quickly and how much the professional can complete the job.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation within the air ducts. This creates a climate that is damp and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then distributed through your HVAC system throughout the house, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

The presence of mold around vents is an indication that you should employ an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears to be slimy or wet, it’s a clear sign that there is a significant issue. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Mold can also be identified by torn or damaged air insulation for ducts, rips on vent covers rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the mold issue is severe, you may observe decaying wood or falling metal.

The most frequent type of mold that can be found in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in toxic mold. It can develop on the wood and drywall surfaces as well as in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can trigger allergies, irritation of the throat, nose, and eyes, as well respiratory problems.

The signs of mold in air ducts can include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. The symptoms may be more severe in children and older. The air ducts in the air can also cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.

It is recommended that homeowners do not attempt to remove large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason for this. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eradicate once they start growing. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and keep it from recurring. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and guarantee that it doesn’t return.

The best way to prevent mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are changed frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. Taking these steps will prevent condensation and humidity which can trigger mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, dry eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a crucial aspect of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding place for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores and pet dander are all typical allergies triggers. These particles can be tracked in the Fridley home on clothing or shoes and then sprayed throughout the home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can allow these particles to sneak through and be circulated throughout the home.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.

A dirty air duct can also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen allergies. These bacteria are spread by the air that flows through your ducts into the vents of your home.

When ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up inside them and then be circulated around your entire home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory problems and in some instances more serious illnesses.

Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes, on their clothing and shoes. These allergens are more likely to settle into places which won’t be re-infested until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Dirty air ducts pose an issue for homeowners. They can result in more expensive energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.